cheapskate

[cheep-skeyt]

noun

1. a person who is stingy and miserly.

verb (used without object)

cheapskated, cheapskating 

1. to act in a stingy or miserly way.

cheapskate

/ ˈtʃiːpˌskeɪt /

noun

1. informal,  a miserly person

Word History and Origins

Origin of cheapskate¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; cheap + skate ³

Example Sentences

She humorously refers to herself as a “cheapskate” who constantly looks for unique pieces on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

From Los Angeles Times

In this case, however, Southwest’s cheapskate culture was its savior.

From Los Angeles Times

“You don’t want to be seen as a cheapskate,” Donkor said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Oakland Athletics are a major league team in name only, their talent level a reflection of how little money cheapskate owner John Fisher invests in his product.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not a cheapskate practice. It’s a flavor-imbuing practice and a way of conserving what you have. Use it instead of discarding it,” she said from her home in New York’s Hudson Valley.

From Seattle Times

When To Use

What does cheapskate mean?

A cheapskate is a person who doesn’t like to give or spend money—someone who’s stingy.Cheapskate is a very informal word that’s always used in a negative way, as an insult.Example: Some cheapskate left me a quarter and two pennies as a tip today.